The .lockbit virus is a ransomware that is currently set against target end users on a global scale. At the moment we do not know who is behind the attacks. It has spawned other viruses that take its code. This is one of the reasons why we believe that the hackers are experienced.
Once the .lockbit ransomware has started it will execute its built-in sequence of dangerous commands. Depending on local conditions or the specific hacker instructions various actions will take place. The file encryption will begin after them — the encrypting component will use a built-in list of target file type extensions. In the end the victim files will be renamed with the .lockbit extension
Threat Summary
Name | .lockbit Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer machine and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly restore them. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will blackmail the victims to pay them a decryption fee. Sensitive user data may be encrypted by the ransomware code. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .lockbit Virus. |
Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
The .lockbit ransomware has been identified in an ongoing campaign. There is no information regarding the hacking group behind it and also the main distribution strategy. We anticipate that the virus can be spread using popular tactics. One of them is the creation of infected payload carriers — they can be macro-infected documents which are usually of the most popular formats. The other popular type is the distribution of software installers. They are made by taking the legitimate setup files from their official sources and modifying them with the relevant virus code. These dangerous files can be uploaded to file-sharing networks where legitimate and pirate data is commonly uploaded and shared between users. A lot of ransomware infections are spread via phishing and social engineering tactics — they can be created sent via email messages or sites which are hosted on domain names that sound similar to the companies and services which are impersonated. The infected files may additionally be linked on social networks — they can often be posted on timelines, public profiles, online communities and private messages.
There are multiple dangerous modules which are associated with the .lockbit virus and its derivatives. The ransomware has the ability to modify the Master Boot Record (MBR) — this means that the virus can make it impossible to enter recovery boot modes and will automatically launch the virus as soon as the computer is booted.
In order to protect itself from being discovered by security software the .lockbit virus will attempt to inject its virus code into other processes — both system and user-installed ones. Several malware mechanisms will be used to evade discovery by security apps. These actions will be run against popular software: anti-virus programs, firewalls, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. The virus code will not start immediately, but there will be a delayed execution. This will also evade common virus signatures.
Another mechanism used by the virus engine is to disable operating system services — this is to ensure that the the operating system will be blocked by the ransomware. The main engine will run in a hidden process which will not be visible by the users.
System modification will include a Windows Registry modification — such changes can lead to severe issues such as performance problems, data loss and unexpected errors.
The virus analysis also shows that the main engine can connect to remote hacker-controlled servers. This might mean that the ransomware does have a Trojan module built-in allowing the criminals to take over control of the computers and hijack their data.
The file encryption will be run after everything has finished in the infection sequence. Target user data will be encrypted with a strong cipher and made inaccessible to the users. This may include common user data and system files including the following: multimedia files, backups, archives, databases, system files and etc. All of them will be renamed with the .lockbit extension. The associated ransom note will be created in a file called Restore-My-Files.txt.
Remove .lockbit Virus
If your computer system got infected with the .lockbit Files ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .lockbit Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .lockbit Virus and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .lockbit Virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .lockbit Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .lockbit Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .lockbit Virus.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .lockbit Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.lockbit Virus-FAQ
What is .lockbit Virus Ransomware?
.lockbit Virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .lockbit Virus Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .lockbit Virus Infect?
Via several ways..lockbit Virus Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .lockbit Virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..lockbit Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..lockbit Virus files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..lockbit Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..lockbit Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..lockbit Virus files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .lockbit Virus Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .lockbit Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..lockbit Virus files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .lockbit Virus Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .lockbit Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .lockbit Virus how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .lockbit Virus ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
If you pay them will they fix the files?
HOW MUCH I HAVE TO PAY
An effective * .lockbit decryptor has already appeared?
Пред същата дилема съм поставена. Трябва ли да платя, защото абсолютно на всичките компютри, на всички дискове и във всички директории има файлове с разширение .lockbit
Не намирам начин за възстановяване на файловете, не се стартират програмите. Програмите не го откриват този LockBit, за да го изтрият. Абсолютен погром
Добър ден. Проблема с Локбит е, че самия вирус е с такъв тип шифър, който не позволява възстановяване на файловете чрез декрипция. Причината за това е, че тук за разлика от нормалните рансъми, този вирус ползва не един ключ за всички файлове а много ключове за серии от файлове. Най-добрите ти опции алтернативни които можеш да опиташ които не са 100% пряко решение на проблема, но ако имаш късмет може да помогнат съм ги описал тук по-подробно – sensorstechforum.com/restore-files-encrypted-ransomware-without-decryptor/. Разбира се добър съвет е да ги запазиш тия файлове и да не се опитваш да им сменяш ти .локбит и да го махаш защото може да ги повреди ако имат една защита наречена CBC (cipher block chaining).